NWSB Editor Bryant Knox gives us a look at how things have turned around for the Portland Trail Blazers with the NBA playoffs around the corner. The return of LaMarcus Aldrige has helped, but it’s a sense of urgency – largely from Wesley Matthews — that has helped Rip City reach another high point in this roller coaster of a season.

NWSB Editor Bryant Knox gives us his weekly analysis of Portland Trail Blazers head coach, Terry Stotts. This past week, the team went a perfect 4-0, taking down the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors. Throughout the week, Stotts did a good job of sticking to his game plan. Wesley Matthews, Damian Lillard and Nicolas Batum have all been hot from downtown, and Stotts is playing to their strengths. Unfortunately, the team is getting down early, which could be a problem late in the year.

NWSB Editor Bryant Knox brings us his weekly video recap of the Portland Trail Blazers. In Week 4, the team from the Pacific Northwest went 4-0, taking down the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors. Standout performers were LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews. Bonus highlights are included from the 10-game winning streak!

NWSB Editor Bryant Knox breaks down which games on the Portland Trail Blazers’ 2013-14 schedule are most noteworthy entering the season. The NBA released its schedule recently, and the Blazers will open up the year against the Phoenix Suns. Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers also make the list, as well as Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. LeBron James and the Miami Heat coming to town is always exciting, but look for Greg Oden to draw the most attention.

NWSB Insider Steve Lee breaks down former Washington Husky Nate Robinson’s most recent move. He’s played for historic NBA franchises, such as the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors and even the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now he’s on his way to play for Brian Shaw and the Denver Nuggets alongside former Knicks Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari.

NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Bulls vs. Blazers matchup. ​The Headline: L.A. puts up a double-double, and Portland uses a rain of shots to sink the Rose-less Bulls 102-94. The Blazer’s shooting looked really good in this one, and the bench was even able to contribute. Fouls and ball control remain an issue for this young team.

NWSB Writer Bryant Knox previews who the Portland Trail Blazers will take on in their next 5 games. The team has made it through its first five games of the season, and while the results weren’t always what you want to see, they remained competitive in each and every contest. The Spurs, Hawks, Kings, Rockets and Bulls are coming up. Tim Duncan, Josh Smith, DeMarcus Cousins and James Harden await.

NWSB Writer Blair Thomas talks about the latest news of northwest grown and former Portland Trail Blazer Brandon Roy. Due to Portland’s decision to waive Roy under the league’s amnesty clause, the guard cannot play for the Blazers until the 2014-15 season. Though many would like to see the Roy back on the team, we hear the Indiana Pacers have shown quite the interest. Also Portland is chasing Indiana center Roy Hibbert.

NWSB Insider Dave B brings us another Northwest Athlete Profile of a hometown hero in Victoria. Eli Pasquale was a leader and a champion for Canada and the Univerisity of Victoria Vikings. At the height of just 6’1” tall, Eli Pasquale is the University of Victoria’s All-Time leading scorer; he was inducted to the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003 and to the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

Should the Blazers trade one of their top-12 picks? NWSB insider and writer Steve Lee lists the pros and cons of past draft-day trades. Analysis includes Brandon Roy, Rudy Fernandez, James Jones, Deron Williams, and LaMarcus Aldridge. With two picks in the top twelve this summer, there is a good chance that the Blazers might be able to restock the shelves.

NWSB insider Steve Lee brings us an NBA draft preview piece today. Where will the University of Washington’s Tony Wroten land in this year’s 2012 NBA Draft? Steve lists 5 possible destinations. Many envision Wroten to fall into the role of a player similar to that of Larry Hughes, Gilbert Arenas or Seattle grown Michael Dickerson when he hits the bigtime. Could it be for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2012?

NWSB Insider and Portland Trailblazers writers Blair Thomas has an opinion on what the 2012 Rip City folks should do this off-season. He targets the Big Men. Andre Drummond, J.J. Hickson, Kris Humphries, Omer Asik are just a few of the names he says the Trail Blazers need to go after. Portland’s front line was as thin as tracing paper and will unlikely get any better in the 2012 NBA draft.